Latest news with #Wildlife(NorthernIreland)Order1985
Agriland
30-06-2025
- Agriland
PSNI makes arrests after slurry spread on road in Co. Antrim town
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed it made two arrests after slurry was spread on a road in the town of Ballymena, Co. Antrim. Police initially arrested a man yesterday (Saturday, June 28) in Ballymena after officers on patrol in the Granville Drive area observed slurry on the road at around 2.55a.m yesterday morning. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a blade/point. As the incident is understood to have coincided with the timing and location of a Pride event, the PSNI said the matter is being treated as a hate crime. Enquiries continued, and the arrested man was charged with criminal damage, possession of an article with a blade or point and causing material to be deposited on a road. He is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates' Court tomorrow (Monday, June 30). As is normal procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service, the PSNI said. Today (Sunday, June 29), the PSNI announced the arrest of a second man, aged 20. The man was arrested this morning on suspicion of criminal damage, aiding and abetting criminal damage, and causing material to be deposited on a road. He remains in custody at this time. Again, this arrest is being treated as a hate crime. Enquiries are continuing. PSNI investigate bird poisoning Separately this week, the PSNI said that a red kite, a protected bird of prey in Northern Ireland, which had been found dead, had been fatally poisoned. The bird, which was found dead near Loughbrickland, Co. Down, died by what is believed to have been targeted poisoning using the rodenticide chloralose and the insecticide bendiocarb. The PSNI lead for wildlife crime and animal welfare, superintendent Johnston McDowell, said: 'Red kites, along with all birds of prey, are protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (NI) Act 2011.' He said that the birds were brought back to Northern Ireland in 2008 after being extinct for centuries, and that this is not the first time they have had an incident of poisoning with this kind of birds.
Belfast Telegraph
25-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Deeply troubling': Police investigation launched after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
The legally protected bird of prey was discovered on land in the Tullymore Road area at the end of December. Subsequent testing confirmed the red kite had been killed using two highly toxic substances – the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb – both of which pose serious risks to wildlife and humans. Red kites previously had vanished entirely from Northern Ireland due to illegal persecution 200 years ago, and were re-introduced in 2008. Superintendent Johnston McDowell, the Police Service of Northern Ireland's lead officer for Wildlife Crime and Animal Welfare, described the incident as 'deeply troubling'. 'These birds were reintroduced to Northern Ireland in 2008 after being extinct here for centuries,' he said. 'Tragically, this is not the first time we have had reports of this nature in the same area. Two ravens were also recently found dead, poisoned with similar chemicals, and it saddens me that these incredible birds are being intentionally killed.' Red kites and all birds of prey are protected under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011. The discovery of yet another suspected case of targeted poisoning has prompted a joint response from multiple agencies. News Catch Up - June 25th 2025 PSNI officers, alongside the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, carried out a site visit and made enquiries with the technical support of the UK's National Wildlife Crime Unit. The force also works in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to investigate illegal use of banned or misused pesticides and poisons. Superintendent McDowell warned of the wider dangers posed by the toxic substances involved. 'The poisons used in these incidents are deadly not only to birds and wildlife, but also to humans,' he said. 'Anyone who finds a dead bird of prey, such as a red kite, and suspects it has been poisoned, shot or illegally trapped, should not touch it but contact police immediately.' He added that anyone found guilty of persecuting birds of prey could face fines of up to £5,000 per offence and custodial sentences. The Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI), which enforces Biocidal Product Regulations in Northern Ireland, also warned that enforcement action would be taken against anyone misusing dangerous chemicals. 'Where duty-holders are found to have incorrectly used or have misused biocidal products or continue to use or store products that have been withdrawn from the market, HSENI will take appropriate enforcement action,' a spokesperson said. 'This highlights the importance of responsible use of all chemicals.' A spokesperson for DAERA added: 'The intentional poisoning of wildlife and birds is abhorrent. Supplying, storing or using a Plant Protection Product that has been banned is an offence. 'It is also an offence to use an authorised PPP in contravention of the conditions established by its authorisation and specified on the product label. If convicted, fines will apply.' As part of wider efforts to tackle such crimes, the PSNI has launched Operation Raptor – Peregrine Watch, a partnership initiative using drones to monitor bird of prey nesting sites in high-risk areas. 'Operation Raptor is a direct response to birds being targeted with very serious and dangerous substances,' Superintendent McDowell said. 'Alongside our partners, we will continue to investigate wildlife crime and bring offenders to justice.'
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New playpark being planned on 'optimum' site for breeding birds
A NEW playpark in Enniskillen is being proposed on a site that has been described as "optimal for breeding birds". The play park and picnic area is being proposed for the Cavanaleck area of Enniskillen, and will feature an inground trampoline, slides, swings and multi-play unit. If successful, the play area will have access provided via a 1.5m path, which will lead to a recreation area finished with a 'water permeable wet pour rubber safety surface with pin kerb edging'. The project will also provide wheelchair accessible picnic tables. However, a recent biodiversity inspection has found that the proposed area is an optimum site for breeding birds. "The site and habitats therein are considered optimal for breeding birds," read a report from Ecologist, Amy Gallagher. "All species of breeding birds and their nests are protected under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. "Therefore, if future plans involve, the removal of vegetation on-site must be undertaken outside the breeding season, which extends from March 1 to August 31, inclusive. "Should vegetation removal be required between March 1 and August 31, it is recommended that a qualified ecologist is appointed to survey the areas of vegetation prior to removal for evidence of use by breeding birds. Should any breeding birds be identified, the area will need to remain undisturbed until all dependent young have fledged the nest, and the nest is no longer in use." The application has been made by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council as part of its playpark strategy.
